An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)

The symptoms of a case of Kushtbam confined only to the serous (Tvaka) fluid of the skin are the loss of the perception of touch, a scanty perspiration, itching and discoloration and roughness of the affected part. The symptoms which manifest themselves when the disease is confined to the blood are complete anaesthesia, horripilation, absence of perspiration, itching and excessive accumulation of pus in the affected parts, The symptoms of Kushtham affecting only the flesh arc thickness of the patches, dryness of the mouth, roughness and hardness of the patches which become covered with pustular eruptions and vesicles, and an excruciating pricking pain in, and numbness of, the affected part. The symptoms of (Kushtham) invading the principle of fat only are a fetid smell and an excessive accumulation of pus in the affected part and a breaking of the skin, exposing deep gashing wounds which soon become infested with parasites. The bod)' seems as if covered with a plaster. Symptoms of (Kushtham) affecting only the bones and the marrow are a sinking (lit : breaking) of the nose, a redness of the eyes, loss of voice and the germination of parasites in the incidental ulcers. Symptoms of the disease restricting itself only to the principle of semen arc a crippled state of the hands and distortion of the limbs, loss of the power of locomotion, spreading of ulcers and all the other symptoms peculiar to the preceding types of the disease. 15— -20.

A child, which is the offspring of the contaminated semen and ovum of its parents afflicted with Kushtham, should be likewise regarded as a Kushthi. 21.

Prognosis: — A case of Kushtham appearing in a person of prudence and discretion and confined only to the serum (Tvaka), flesh and blood of his organism should be regarded as curable. A palliative treat6

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THE SUSIIKUTA SAMIIITA. [Chap. V.

mcnt is the only remedy in cases where the disease is found to invade the principle of fat ; whereas a case where the poison is found to have penetrated into any of the remaining organic principles should be given up as incurable. 22.

Wise men hold that, for killing a 13rahmana, or a woman, or (jne of his own relations, for theft, as well as for doing acts of impiety, a man is sometimes cursed with this foul disease by way of divine retribution. The disease reattacki a man even in his next rebirth in the event of his dying with it. Uncurcd Kushtham (leprosy) U the most painful, and most troublesomeof all diseases. 23 — 24.

A Kushthi (leper), getting rid of this foul malady by observing the proper regimen of diet and conduct and by practising expiatory penances and by resorting to proper medicinal measures, gets an elevated status after death. 25.

Kushtham (Leprosy) is a highly contagious disease ; the contagion being usually communicated through sexual intercourse with a leper (Kushthi), or by his touch or breath, or through partaking of the same bed, and eating and drinking out of the same vessel with him, or through using the wearing apparel, unguents and garlands of flowers previously used by a person afflicted with this dreadful disease. Kushtham (Leprosy), fev'er, pulmonaiy consumption, ophthalmia and other Aupasargika disease (incidental to the influences of malignant planets or due to the effects of impious deeds) are conimunicated from one person to another. 26.

Thus enJs the fifih Chapter of the Nidanasihanam in the Sushruta Sainhila which treats of the Nidanam of cutaneous afTections (Kushtham).

CHAPTER VI.

Now we shall discourse on the Nidanam of Pramcha (diseases of the urinary tracts), r.

It may be prognosticated that an idle man, who indulges in day sleep, or follows sedentary pursuits or is in the habit of taking sweet liquids, or cold and fat-making or emollient food, will ere long fall an easy victim to this disease. 2.

Pathology : —The bodily principles of Vc4\-u, Pittam and Kaphah of such a person get mixed with improperly formed chyle of the organism. Thus deranged, they carry down through the urinary ducts the deranged fat, etc.* of the bod)' and find lodgment at the mouth (neck) of the bladder, whence they are emitted through the urethra-j*, causing diseases, known by the (generic) name of Pramsha. 3

Premonitory symptoms :-A burning

sensation in the palms of the hands and of the soles of the feet, a heaviness of the body, coldness or sliminess of the skin and limbs, sweetness and whiteness of the urine, somnolence, lassitude, thirst, a bad-smelling breath, a shortness of breath, slimy mucous deposit on the tongue, palate, phar\-x and teeth, clotted hair and an inordinate growth of the finger and toe nails are the indications which mark the advent of the disease. 4.

General Characteristics:— A copious flow

of cloudy or turbid urine characterises all the types of the disease, which, together with the abscesses and eruptions (Pidaka) which mark its sequel, should be

• The particle "cha" in the text denotes other virus or morLific matter. Uallana. • t Remain incarcerated then in acc^rJirg to others.

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